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Photography & Filming Guidelines

As one of the oldest and largest multi-modal transit systems in the world, the SEPTA system is graced with beautiful, historic and unique architecture and a wide variety of vehicles that attract the interest of visitors, filmmakers and media from the four corners of the globe.

Personal Photography

SEPTA welcomes amateur photographers and artists - many of whom capture their visits in photographs or in sketch books. In return, we simply request they use common sense and courtesy to others in pursuit of photo and short videos for their personal use.

Safety

The safety of our customers and employees is paramount throughout the entire SEPTA system. While photography is permitted in clearly defined public areas of the SEPTA system, it obviously cannot be permitted in any manner that would interfere with the safe movement of people or operation of vehicles.

For example, camera lights or flash bulbs should never be aimed in the direction of an oncoming vehicle or used within a moving vehicle. Camera or artist's tripods and other equipment should not be placed in any location that might interfere with the free and safe movement of people or vehicles.

Photography is obviously prohibited in any area of the SEPTA system that is not accessible to the general public.

While the law permits photography of private citizens in public places, common courtesy would have photographers request permission of people before taking their pictures, especially close-ups.

Security

Worldwide terrorist attacks against public transportation facilities in recent years have required a tightening of security procedures at all SEPTA facilities. Security experts consider photographing and sketching public transportation facilities as possible pre-indicators of terrorist activity.

While this unfortunate reality has not resulted in a prohibition of photography, SEPTA Transit Police and other law enforcement agencies are under orders to question anyone taking photographs or sketching transit facilities.

Obviously, these activities are almost always legitimate and that is the end of the issue. However, anyone conducting these activities in unauthorized areas of SEPTA property may be charged and detained for further investigation.